Community

Community asset bids sought for former John Nash designed Foley House

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

COMMUNITY groups who want to take over a Grade II-listed Georgian town house in Haverfordwest have just a few days to submit bids to Pembrokeshire County Council.

The council is proposing to dispose of the John Nash-designed Foley House via a Community Asset Transfer (CAT), and is inviting applications from the community, charitable or not-for-profit organisations who will use the asset to benefit the community, or for social aims.

The closing date for applicants submitting a business plan to [email protected] is just a few days away, March 24.

Following that, it is expected any recommendations for a CAT transfer will be considered at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

One of those in the running is Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

The family of Adam Evans-Thomas has been fundraising for almost 30 years for various areas of the NHS.

Adam, who died of leukaemia started the fundraising by raising £45,000 in 1993 to test 3,000 potential Bone Marrow Donors from Pembrokeshire for the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Register.

Since his death, in 2007 a High Dependency Room called the “Pembrokeshire Room” in Cardiff’s Heath Hospital was funded by his charity, and in 2009 Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre was opened.

In November 2021, the charity started looking for new premises, eventually deciding that Foley House had the space inside and out to allow the charity to expand from supporting cancer patients to supporting patients with all life-limiting conditions.

The charity approached Pembrokeshire County Council and has entered into a CAT bid for Foley House.

For any prospective bidders, Pembrokeshire County Council states there should be support within the community for the proposal and optimum use of the asset for the community should be made.

There should be both a need and demand for the proposed activities and consideration will be given as to whether or not these are being satisfactorily addressed by another organisation.

The proposal will need to demonstrate how it benefits as wide and diverse a range of local people as possible, with an inclusive approach to all members of the community.

The business plan submitted must answer a string of criteria, including the applicants being able to restore, repair and maintain the building, in keeping with the legal requirements of its Grade II listing.

All costs will be the applicant’s liability and all current illegal alterations must be rectified, the council has said.

Prospective parties are advised to contact Pembrokeshire County Council Planning Department on Haverfordwest 01437 764551.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.